The name comes from John's experience at the Naval Academy. During his senior year, John was selected by his peers to be a HERO (human education resource officer.) "They saw him as a great leader who made them laugh and saw the humor and the positive in everything," says Bill.

The Elliotts wanted to carry that theme into the campaign. "Out of our heartbreak, we wanted to do something to honor our son, and that was an expression of his positive nature," says Bill. "John represents all victims and all the people whose lives we are trying to save, and I think he would've liked that."

The HERO Campaign message is simple: Be a HERO. Be a designated driver. Bill says the group has "a serious mission and a serious goal which can be achieved by people doing the right thing and appealing to the HERO in everybody.

The HERO Campaign is active in seven states.

The HERO campaign is active in seven states and partners with law enforcement, schools and local businesses.

Billboards, decals and magnets are used to get the message out.

"People see the billboard, they see sticker on the car, they go into a bar and they see the poster on the wall, and they're going to say, 'What is this HERO campaign?' "

The group holds annual events like the HERO Walk and the HERO Golf Tournament. Last year over 2,000 people walked on the boardwalk in Ocean City, New Jersey, to show their support.

The HERO Walk in Ocean City, New Jersey, raises awareness of the need for designated drivers.

"It's really something that's captured the support of the community, because everybody has the same reaction when I talk about that knock on the door. That is the knock you never want to get," says Bill.

The Elliotts hope that because of their message, other families will be spared from hearing that knock on the door at 4 a.m.